The Difference between JK and JL?
The JL and JK Wrangler models have a few differences. The Jeep Wranglers have always utilized a key to fire up for both speeds automatic transmission and speed manual transmissions. The JL manual transmission cars still need a key to fire it up. Give the Jeep loves the feel of having control of the road. The JL door models are 25% lighter than the JK models. Making the process of taking the doors and roof off to get the open air feel a lot easier.
At first glance, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL and the Wrangler JK grille versions both appear nearly similar. They share that same boxy look that has defined Wrangler forever and retains the seven-slot grille and round headlights. Look a bit closer, though, and the subtle differences show through. One of those is the front grille. On the JK edition, that grille is smooth from top to bottom and has a narrow space between each grille opening. For the newer JL Wranglers, the grille has a 'kink' in the middle as the grille face goes slightly out and then back from top to bottom. There is also a wider gap in each opening.
All 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL trims will have even more off-road capability functionality than many of the Wrangler JK trims. The JL has a ground clearance of 10.9 inches; the ability to traverse water 30 inches-deep; and a standard crawl ratio of 2.72:1 standard.
Another exterior feature the newer JL Wrangler offers is a vent right behind the driver and passenger fender flares. This vent isn't just a cosmetic feature as it mainly serves to allow better airflow from the hood area. One issue on the JK Wrangler was hood flutter caused by restricted airflow and hood catches with worn out rubber insides. Wrangler engineers addressed both with new hood catches on the JL as well as these vents to assist airflow. It is also a great way to tell which version Wrangler you own.
While the front grille was one subtle difference between 2018 Wrangler versions, another is light strips on the fender flare face. The newest generation Wrangler JL now has signal lights on the flare face itself instead of under the headlights.
A backup camera, like the push-button start, is a feature most vehicles have included for at least a few years. Combine that with multimedia infotainment consoles that easily integrate with today's smartphones, and you have entertainment options unheard of in older Jeep Wranglers. At least, ones that still include factory components. All that changed for the 2018 JL Wrangler, as engineers mounted a backup camera on the spare tire while completely revising the center stack - giving the vehicle an all-new touchscreen UConnect system. If nothing else, and you know the radio isn't actually just a radio, but a touchscreen system complete with backup camera ability, then you have the 2018 JL Wrangler.